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Global Threat Assessment 2025

A call for prevention

Developed by WeProtect Global Alliance and Columbia University, our new report analyses the evolving scale and nature of online child sexual exploitation and abuse (2023–2025).

With insights from our member organisations, youth, survivors, and experts, it delivers a prevention-focused framework for action.

Download the full report

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GTA 2025

Evolving threats and why we must prioritise prevention

The scale of online exploitation is accelerating, driven by the emergence of sophisticated technologies and compounding societal risks. The Global Threat Assessment 2025 finds that the scale and sophistication of technology-facilitated child sexual exploitation and abuse are outpacing current global safeguards.

Our analysis details the rise of encrypted spaces, financial sexual extortion, and the complex intersection of harms.

Explore the data and evidence

200% increase in online groups promoting violence

NCMEC reported over 1,300 cases from 2023 to 2024

A study of 55 countries found most children start using digital devices before age 10.

Slater SO, Arundell L et al, Public Health Practice (2025)

1 in 17 adolescents reported being victims of deepfake imagery.

Thorn (2025)

Prevention is the priority

Shifting the focus

The report calls for a decisive, systemic shift in how the world addresses online harm. For too long, the response has been reactive—focused on mitigating harm after it occurs. The Global Threat Assessment 2025 shows that sustainable change requires moving efforts upstream, aligning with a public health approach.

Introducing the Prevention Framework

To guide this transition and ensure actionable change, we have developed the Prevention Framework—a practical tool designed for cross-sector action. The Framework is structured around four essential action areas, offering a shared language and structure for collective prevention efforts.

Prevention Framework
See the Prevention Framework

Explore the Framework

CHILD PARTICIPATION AND LEADERSHIP
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How to meaningfully involve children in defining the problems and shaping policies, programmes, and services that affect them.
COMMUNITY EDUCATION AND SUPPORT
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How to equip caregivers and communities with the knowledge and tools to keep children safe and appropriately respond to risks and harms.
DIGITAL SAFETY
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How to protect children by prioritising their safety, well-being, and rights in industry culture and the design and development of digital products, services, and infrastructure.
LAW, POLICY & JUSTICE
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How to strengthen legal and regulatory systems to prevent abuse, secure justice, and hold
duty-bearers accountable.

Lived experiences: the essential foundation for prevention

Survivors and youth are not just stakeholders—they are essential co-creators of prevention approaches. The 2025 Threat Assessment reflects the Alliance’s commitment to the ethical and meaningful inclusion of those with lived experience across its findings and recommendations.

Without this input, even well-intentioned reforms will miss essential insights regarding children’s right to engage and their lived digital experiences. Their voices are non-negotiable for system change.

The report outlines how this commitment translates into action, particularly through the Child participation and leadership pillar of the Prevention Framework. This pillar addresses the necessity of trauma-informed services, justice pathways, and embedding lived experience into policy.

Explore child participation and leadership

Explainers for children and young people

It is vital that children and young people can easily understand issues that affect them so deeply.

Using insights from Global Threat Assessment, accessible explainers have been written on: Technology-facilitated Child Sexual Exploitation & Abuse and Artificial Intelligence.

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Technology-facilitated child sexual exploitation and abuse: An explainer for young people
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Artificial Intelligence: An explainer for young people

A collaborative effort

We would like to thank all of the organisations and individuals who supported the development of the Global Threat Assessment 2025 including our Expert Steering Committee. We gratefully acknowledge the children and survivors whose experiences and insights informed this report and guide collective efforts to keep children safe.

Expert Steering Committee:

Support provided to the report’s development, as a member of the Steering Committee or a contributor, does not imply endorsement (in part or in full) of the contents of this report.

Global Threat Assessment 2025

GTA 25 landscape

Download the Global Threat Assessment

Prevention Framework

Download the Prevention Framework

ai explainer cover

Download: AI: What you need to know to stay safe

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staying safe cover

Download: Staying safe online

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